Eating out with a peanut / Tree Nut allergy

The most important part of eating out is clarity.

Make sure you know which food/s you are avoiding peanuts / peanut and tree nuts / tree nuts only.

Don’t be embarrassed – your health, or that of the sufferer you are trying to protect, is too important. The restaurant and its staff are there for you, you are not an inconvenience or nuisance – you are paying their wages! Be polite but firm if necessary, there is never any harm in asking a question.

Feel free to ring ahead and ask about the restaurants allergy policies, or if they have an allergen list is it available in the restaurant or online?

Make sure you cover the information that would seem less obvious to someone untrained or less knowledgeable – are nuts prepared separately? What oils do you use for cooking or dressing foods? Are they blended (mixed) or pure? Have nut products, or products containing nuts such as veggie burgers, been cooked in the oil before? If the staff member answers too quickly or seems unsure ask for verification, they may think they are being helpful by giving you the answer you want instead of the answers you need. Feel free to ask to speak to kitchen staff or the chef – most restaurants will be happy to oblige when they understand the risks involved.

If you have a severe allergy make sure you bring your medication with you, antihistamines or Adrenaline, and that somebody else in your party knows what to do if you have a reaction. It is of the utmost importance that you tell people if you have a severe allergy – nobody can help if they don’t know.

Don’t risk it – if the labelling is unclear / the Chef or staff aren’t sure or “it might have a trace” don’t try it. Nobody wants their meal ruined by being severely unwell, or seeing a loved one leave in an ambulance.